Stainless steel kitchen cabinets have become an increasingly popular option for modern and contemporary style kitchens. Known for their sleek, professional look and high durability, stainless steel cabinets offer unique benefits compared to traditional wood or laminate options. If you’re considering stainless steel cabinets for your kitchen remodel or new construction project, this comprehensive guide will provide key information on where you can buy them and what to look for during the purchase process.
Purchasing Stainless Steel Kitchen Cabinets
Stainless steel kitchen cabinets can be purchased through several avenues:
Kitchen Cabinet Retailers
Many home improvement stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s have a selection of stainless steel cabinets available. While the selection may be more limited than a cabinet specialty store, these retailers are a convenient option for being able to see the cabinets in person before purchase. Make sure to thoroughly inspect the quality and construction if purchasing through a home improvement retailer.
Kitchen Cabinet Distributors
There are various wholesale distributors for stainless steel kitchen cabinets nationwide. Many distributors have showroom locations where you can view product samples in person. Purchasing through a distributor often provides more customization options for sizing, finishes, and features. Distributors may also offer bulk pricing discounts. Well-known distributors include Diamond Cabinetry, Integrity Stainless Steel Cabinets, and Stainless Direct.
Custom Cabinet Companies
Working with a custom cabinet company provides the most flexibility in selecting the perfect stainless steel cabinets for your unique kitchen design. Custom companies can fabricate cabinets to your exact measurements and specifications. They may also offer a wider variety of stainless grades, colors, finishes, and accessories. The tradeoff is usually a higher cost and longer lead time.
Online Retailers
For added convenience, various online retailers sell stainless steel kitchen cabinets with the option to ship directly to your home. This allows you to shop for cabinets completely online. Be sure to closely inspect cabinets immediately upon delivery before installation. Well-rated internet retailers for stainless steel kitchen include KitchenCabinets.com, KitchenSource.com, and QualityCabinets.com.
What to Look For When Buying Stainless Steel Cabinets
When evaluating stainless steel kitchen cabinets, keep the following factors in mind:
Cabinet Grade
Stainless steel grade indicates the quality, strength, and level of corrosion resistance. Common grades used for kitchen cabinets include:
- 304: The most popular and cost-effective grade. Provides good corrosion resistance and durability.
- 316: Offers the highest corrosion and rust resistance for coastal areas or high-moisture environments. More expensive than 304.
- 430: Low-cost alternative but also less durable with lower rust resistance than 304 or 316 grades.
Gauge
The gauge refers to the thickness of the stainless steel. Like grade, this impacts overall durability. Typical gauges are 18, 20, and 22. Lower numbers indicate thicker steel construction. 18-gauge is the most resistant to dents and dings.
Construction
Look for cabinets with full seamless welding and reinforced kickplates at the base. Avoid lower quality cabinets with multiple seams which are more susceptible to leaks. Hinges, drawer glides, and handles should be sturdy stainless steel as well.
Hardware
Opt for high-quality soft-closing hardware. Door hinges should provide a wide 180° swing for easy access. Full extension drawer glides make the contents of cabinets easily accessible.
Finishes
Most stainless steel cabinets have a brushed satin finish which helps conceal fingerprints and scratches. Alternative finishes like mirrored or colored epoxy coatings are also available. Consider which finish best suits your kitchen’s overall design aesthetic.
Cost
Stainless steel cabinets are typically 2-3x the cost of wood or laminate cabinets, ranging anywhere from $5,000-15,000+ for a full kitchen set. However, their durability provides better long-term value over time.
Benefits of Stainless Steel Kitchen Cabinets
There are many compelling reasons to choose stainless steel over other cabinetry options:
Durability
Stainless steel cabinets are extremely durable and long-lasting. They resist dents, scratches, stains, mold, and moisture damage better than wood or laminate. Many come with a lifetime warranty against rust and corrosion.
Easy to Clean
Stainless requires minimal maintenance. Its non-porous surface simply needs wiping down with a damp cloth and mild detergent to keep clean and disinfected with no staining or absorption issues.
Modern, Sleek Appearance
With their silver sheen and clean lines, stainless steel cabinets provide a contemporary, cutting-edge look perfect for modern kitchen aesthetics. They reflect light beautifully in open, airy kitchens.
Hygienic
The non-porous steel resists bacterial growth better than other materials. This makes stainless cabinets ideal for hygiene-conscious kitchens.
Fire and Heat Resistance
Stainless steel can withstand high heats and open flames. Pans and other hot items can be placed directly on the surface without worry of damage.
Environmentally Friendly
Stainless steel contains 60-80% recycled content. Cabinets never need refinishing or disposal, providing long-term sustainability.
Features to Look for With Stainless Steel Cabinets
Storage Solutions
Maximize storage with features like roll-out trays, shelf dividers, and full-extension drawers. Look for cabinets with waste bin compartments and spice pullouts for optimized organization.
Adjustable Shelving
Adjustable shelves allow you to customize cabinet interiors to fit various height items. This provides more versatile storage.
Soft-Close Doors and Drawers
Soft-close mechanisms prevent noisy slamming and provide a luxurious feel. They smoothly guide doors and drawers shut.
Toe-Kick Drawers
Drawers built into the toe-kick space give you full access to that often-wasted area under the cabinet. It’s the perfect spot for cookbooks and cleaning supplies.
Laminated Glass Doors
Laminated glass gives cabinet doors a sleek, modern look while also being shatter-resistant. Choose frosted or patterned glass for added privacy.
Integrated Waste Bins
Specialized cabinet pull-outs with built-in trash bins make garbage disposal highly convenient while also hiding unsightly waste out of sight.
Slide-Out Trays
Tiered trays that glide smoothly in and out allow you to access items in the back of cabinets easily.
Pull-Down Shelving
Vertical lift-up shelves raised and lowered with pistons provide ergonomic access to upper cabinets. Lower them to eliminate stooping and reaching.
Interior Lighting
LED strip lighting inside cabinets illuminates the contents brightly. This lets you easily see everything stored, even in dark corners.
Locks
Lockable cabinets keep contents secure. Keyed locks protect medicine, cleaning agents, and dangerous items from children.
Choosing the Right Stainless Steel Finish
A key part of selecting stainless steel cabinets lies in choosing the right finish. The finish determines the overall aesthetic, feel, and fingerprint resistance. Consider these popular options:
Brushed
A brushed satin finish is the most common. The linear brushed texture camouflages fingerprints and minor scratches. It provides an attractive, contemporary look.
Mirror
A mirrored finish gives a sleek, ultra-modern appearance. The reflective surface makes kitchens seem brighter and more expansive. It shows more fingerprints, requiring frequent polishing.
Colored
Powder-coated colors (like black, white, bronze, and gray) provide a bold, unique look. The textured finish hides imperfections well. Color coatings may also boost fingerprint resistance.
Matte
A dull matte finish minimizes glare for a more low-key, industrial vibe. The non-reflective surface needs less frequent fingerprint wiping.
Cuir Oil Rubbed
Cuir oil hand-rubbing creates beautiful dark accents in the small etched grooves of the brushed finish. This adds depth and visual interest.
Copper
A copper-infused epoxy coating gives cabinets a rich, lustrous copper-toned metallic sheen. The durable finish is also resistant to fingerprints and smudging.
Maintaining and Caring for Stainless Steel Cabinets
While stainless steel is highly durable, some basic maintenance practices will keep cabinets looking pristine:
- Use a microfiber cloth and mild dish soap mixed with warm water to gently clean surfaces. Avoid abrasive scrubbers.
- Rinse with clear water and dry thoroughly with a soft towel to prevent water spots.
- Immediately wipe up spills and water splashes to minimize chance of surface rust.
- Use a stainless steel polish/cleaner monthly to buff out fingerprints and maintain the finish’s luster.
- For stubborn grease stains, use a degreasing product made specifically for stainless steel.
- If surfaces become scratched, use a Scotch Brite pad or ultra-fine (000) steel wool to rub in the direction of the grain.
- Avoid placing wet dishes, cans, or cleaning chemicals directly on cabinet surfaces. Use liners.
- Install a stainless steel backsplash and equipment like hood vents for seamless protection against cooking splatters.
Proper care keeps stainless steel cabinets shining for decades. Their durability offsets the higher initial cost over time.
Styles of Stainless Steel Kitchen Cabinets
Like other cabinet materials, stainless steel cabinets come in a variety of door styles:
Euro-Style
A Euro-style cabinet has a clean, frameless look with full overlay doors and minimal exposed hardware. This creates a contemporary, seamless appearance.
Face-Frame
Face-frame cabinets have a visible frame around the front of the cabinet box. Doors attach to the frame, leaving a small space between them. The face-frame creates a more traditional style.
Inset
Inset cabinet doors fit snugly into the cabinet frame opening. Fronts sit flush with the frame, providing a streamlined built-in look. The lack of overlay leaves minimal cabinet face exposed.
Lipped
A visible lip edge frames inset doors, giving definition while still allowing a smooth unbroken cabinet front. Lipped inset doors provide a transitional style between inset and Euro.
Full Overlay
Overlay cabinet doors sit on the cabinet front, covering 100% of the box face. No portion of the cabinet remains visible. The minimal frame maximizes interior capacity.
Partial Overlay
Partial overlay doors cover only part of the cabinet front. Some of the supporting frame shows around the doors which attach to the inside edge. The exposed frame adds architectural detail.
Lattice/Louvered
Lattice or louvered doors feature a decorative grid pattern of crisscrossed flat bars or angled slats. This crafted look adds visual interest and dimension while screening contents.
Choosing the Optimal Cabinet Configuration
Beyond simply style, selecting the right cabinet configuration includes important functional considerations:
Standard Cabinets
Standard cabinets have a fixed width and depth. They cannot be adjusted, offering the least versatility. However, they provide a continuous uninterrupted look.
Modular Cabinets
Modular cabinets have reconfigurable dimensions. Widths, depths, and heights can be adjusted in increments during assembly. This allows highly adaptable and accessible customization.
Stock Cabinets
Stock cabinets come in pre-set footprint sizes, with width limitation in 3” increments. While not as customizable as modular, they offer more size options versus standard at a lower cost.
Custom Cabinets
Fully customized cabinets are built from scratch to your precise specifications. This allows for sizes, storage solutions, features, and finishes to be tailored specifically to your unique kitchen space and needs.
Full-Height Cabinets
Floor-to-ceiling cabinets maximize vertical storage capacity. Different internal configuration options like shelves, drawers, and rollout trays optimize use of the full interior space.
Wall Cabinets
Wall cabinets mount directly onto the wall or hang from a soffit. They provide storage options higher up, ideal for lightweight or infrequently used items. Glass doors maintain visibility.
Base Cabinets
Base cabinets sit at countertop height, typically 36 inches high. Deep lower storage keeps cooking essentials and bulky items close at hand without stooping down far.
Specialty Stainless Steel Cabinet Styles
In addition to standard cabinetry, stainless is also popular for specialty cabinet types:
Range Hood Covers
Stainless hoods or custom covers for over-range microwaves coordinate seamlessly with steel cabinetry while also protecting walls.
Open Shelving
Open stainless shelving lends an industrial, loft-like aesthetic. The airy look displays cookbooks and decorative items in easier reach than wall cabinets.
Butler’s Pantries
Floor-to-ceiling stainless pantries create an impressive area for food and dish storage. Pass-through doors allow discreet serving access.
Wet Bars
A stainless steel wet bar and low back counter area makes an ideal entertainment space. The moisture-resistant material prevents water damage from spills.
Laundry Rooms
Laundry rooms benefit from stainless’s ability to withstand splashes and humidity. Stainless surfaces also allow direct contact with hot appliances.
Cabinet Doors
For a lower cost alternative, stainless steel doors can upgrade existing cabinets. The new cabinet faces transform look while retaining boxes.
Integrating Stainless Steel Cabinets with Other Materials and Finishes
While stainless steel cabintes make a bold statement on their own, combining steel with other finishes allows for even more design possibilities:
Contrasting Countertops
Pair stainless cabinets with darker countertops like black quartz or granite for striking contrast. Butcher block or concrete for a rustic vibe also complements steel.
Textured Backsplash
Use backsplash tile with high visual interest like handmade subway tile, Moroccan fish scale tile, or metallic geometric tile. This enhances the stainless’s modern edge.
Natural Wood Accents
Warm up the industrial vibe by integrating stainless with natural wood touches. Wood shelving, butcher block islands, and exposed ceiling beams soften the sleekness.
Colorful Accent Pieces
Vibrant colorful extras like bar stools, kitchenware, and artwork prevent an all-stainless kitchen from feeling too cold. Pops of color add liveliness.
Mixing Metals
Incorporate hardware and fixtures in coordinating metals like brushed bronze, satin nickel, and antique copper. Mixing metals adds depth versus stainless alone.
Concrete Flooring
A poured concrete or stained concrete floor mirrors the raw industrial aesthetic of stainless cabinets. Glossy concrete enhances the reflective surface.
FAQ About Stainless Steel Kitchen Cabinets
Many homeowners have questions when first considering stainless steel cabinets. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions:
Are stainless steel cabinets worth the higher cost compared to wood cabinets?
Stainless steel cabinets justify their higher initial price with extreme durability, life-long stain and chip resistance, easy cleaning, and a timeless aesthetic. Their longevity offsets costs over decades of use with far lower maintenance needs.
How durable and resistant to dents are stainless steel cabinets compared to wood or laminate?
Top quality stainless steel constructed of thick 18 gauge steel with reinforced kickplates is far more dent, ding, chip, scratch, mold, and moisture resistant than any wood or laminate. It maintains its flawless appearance for decades with proper care.
Will stainless cabinets show fingerprints and smudges?
All finishes show fingerprints to some degree, but the brushed satin finish of most stainless steel cabinets does an excellent job camouflaging them. Minor smudges blend into the grain-like texture. Occasional wiping keeps them undetectable.
Can you have stainless steel cabinets just on the bottom with different cabinets up top?
Absolutely. Mixing stainless base cabinets with painted or wood wall cabinets is a great way to get the benefits of stainless where you need it most while saving cost. The contrast looks bold and intentional.
Do stainless steel cabinets make noise when closing?
Not with soft-close hardware. Quality soft-close glides, hinges, and drawers provide a slow, quiet, smooth closing motion without slamming or rattling. The mechanisms greatly reduce noise.
Will stainless steel cabinets dent or scratch when removing pots and pans?
Durable 304 or 316 grade stainless resists dents and scratches well. However, always use liners inside cabinets and avoid dragging or scraping heavy cookware across the surface to prevent damage over time.
Can you drill into stainless steel cabinets to mount new hardware?
Most stainless cabinets can be safely drilled into using standard power tools and premium titanium drill bits. Just be sure to drill slowly and carefully. Apply painter’s tape over the area first to prevent scratching.
Are stainless steel cabinets difficult to clean and maintain?
One of the biggest benefits of stainless steel is the ease of care. A simple wiping with mild dish soap and water keeps them clean and hygienic with no need for polishing or sealing. They resist stains and spills.
Conclusion
Stainless steel kitchen cabinets provide unmatched durability, striking visual appeal, and modern functionality that justify their initial investment. When purchasing stainless cabinets, shop with reputable kitchen cabinet retailers, distributors, and custom fabrication companies that provide high-quality grades, hardware, and construction. Carefully consider which finish and configuration best suits your particular style and storage needs. Combine stainless with contrasting colors, textures, and materials for a visually stunning, highly personalized kitchen space you’ll enjoy for decades. With proper maintenance of wiping spills quickly and avoiding abrasives, stainless steel cabinets maintain their like-new condition and lustrous finish for generations, never going out of style.